Must-Try Eats: Express-News critics' picks

Updated 12:36 pm, Thursday, August 15, 2013

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Looking for San Antonio's best? Here are the Express-News critics' picks.

Looking for San Antonio's best? Here are the Express-News critics' picks.

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FigTree Restaurant: 515 Villita Street, 210-224-1976, you'll find one of the top, if not the top, tables in the city on Fig Tree's patio overlooking the river. Order steaks or seafood with confidence. Must-try dish: Roasted potatoes. less

FigTree Restaurant: 515 Villita Street, 210-224-1976, you'll find one of the top, if not the top, tables in the city on Fig Tree's patio overlooking the river. Order steaks or seafood with confidence. Must-try ... more

Photo: Express-News File Photo

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Las Canarias: La Mansión del Rio Hotel, 112 College St., 210-518-1063. This lovely restaurant headed by chef John Brand is one of the best on the River Walk. Must-try dish: Sunday brunch. It's pricey but memorable. less

Las Canarias: La Mansión del Rio Hotel, 112 College St., 210-518-1063. This lovely restaurant headed by chef John Brand is one of the best on the River Walk. Must-try dish: Sunday brunch. It's pricey but ... more

Photo: Photos By Helen L. Montoya / San Antonio Express-News

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The Flaming Jalapeño Burger with cheese is a favorite at Chris Madrid's: 1900 Blanco Road.

The Flaming Jalapeño Burger with cheese is a favorite at Chris Madrid's: 1900 Blanco Road.

Photo: Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News

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Zinc: 207 N. Presa St. near Market Street, 210-224-2900. Thereal treat here the Zinc Burger, a nearly perfect combination of smoky cheddar, a Parmesan tuile (crisp), spicy tomato aioli and bibb lettuce. There's a reason it's known as the Crack Burger. Must-try dish: What do you think? less

El Bucanero: 16505 Blanco Road, 210-408-9297. A move to a bigger setting doesn't mean a shorter wait, but the wonderful seafood dishes from the interior of Mexico make the lines worth it. Must-try dish: Camarones aguachile. less

El Bucanero: 16505 Blanco Road, 210-408-9297. A move to a bigger setting doesn't mean a shorter wait, but the wonderful seafood dishes from the interior of Mexico make the lines worth it. Must-try dish: ... more

Photo: Timothy Tai, San Antonio Express-News

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Looking for San Antonio's best? Here are the Express-News critics' picks.

Oysters on the half shell (with sauces) from The Sandbar in the Pearl Brewery.

Looking for San Antonio's best? Here are the Express-News critics' picks.

Oysters on the half shell (with sauces) from The Sandbar in the Pearl Brewery.

Burger Boy, 2323 N. St. Mary's St., 210-735-1955. An old-school burger the way it should be: a thin patty, topped with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, diced onion, mustard and a little mayo, all between two toasted buns. Must-try dish: Bates Special, with a burger, fries and a drink. Better yet, upgrade the drink to a shake, made with soft-serve ice cream. less

Burger Boy, 2323 N. St. Mary's St., 210-735-1955. An old-school burger the way it should be: a thin patty, topped with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, diced onion, mustard and a little mayo, all between two ... more

Photo: Robin Jerstad, Robin Jerstad/For The Express-Ne

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Frederick’s and Fredericks’s Bistro: 7701 Broadway, Suite 20, 210-828-9050, 14439 NW Military Highway, 210-888-1500, French and Asian food blend beautifully at the original Alamo Heights location of Frederick’s as well as the newer North Central one. less

Frederick’s and Fredericks’s Bistro: 7701 Broadway, Suite 20, 210-828-9050, 14439 NW Military Highway, 210-888-1500, French and Asian food blend beautifully at the original Alamo Heights location of ... more

CIA Bakery Café 312 Pearl Parkway (at Pearl Brewery), 210-554-6464. European and Latin American pastries and a small but satisfying menu of sandwiches.

CIA Bakery Café 312 Pearl Parkway (at Pearl Brewery), 210-554-6464. European and Latin American pastries and a small but satisfying menu of sandwiches.

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Florio's Pizza: 7701 Broadway, 210-805-8646, www.florios pizza.com. The biggest decision here is whether to order a fabulous New York-style pizza or the equally wonderful cold Italian sub, one of the city's best sandwiches. less

Florio's Pizza: 7701 Broadway, 210-805-8646, www.florios pizza.com. The biggest decision here is whether to order a fabulous New York-style pizza or the equally wonderful cold Italian sub, one of the city's ... more

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Biga on the Banks 203 S. St. Mary's St., 210-225-0722. Perhaps city's best example of South Texas on a plate from acclaimed chef/owner Bruce Auden.

Biga on the Banks 203 S. St. Mary's St., 210-225-0722. Perhaps city's best example of South Texas on a plate from acclaimed chef/owner Bruce Auden.

Ostra at the Mokara Hotel & Spa, 212 W. Crockett St., 210-396-5817, will serve its regular à la carte menu available all day. Featured themed specials are available during dinner service beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Ostra at the Mokara Hotel & Spa, 212 W. Crockett St., 210-396-5817, will serve its regular à la carte menu available all day. Featured themed specials are available during dinner service beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Photo: Helen L. Montoya, San Antonio Express-News

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The Sandbar: 200 E. Grayson St., Suite 117, 210-212-2221. Show-stopping seafood that places it among the best
in the state. Extensive white wine list.

The Sandbar: 200 E. Grayson St., Suite 117, 210-212-2221. Show-stopping seafood that places it among the best in the state. Extensive white wine list.

Restaurant Gwendolyn 152 Pecan St., Suite 100, 210-222-1849. Chef/owner Michael Sohocki makes everything by hand and obtains most ingredients from within 150 miles. The result is simple, skillful and understatedly elegant cuisine. less

Restaurant Gwendolyn 152 Pecan St., Suite 100, 210-222-1849. Chef/owner Michael Sohocki makes everything by hand and obtains most ingredients from within 150 miles. The result is simple, skillful and ... more

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Godai Sushi Bar and Restaurant: 11203 West Ave., 210-348-6781, Since 1997, chef/owner William “Goro” Pitchford has impressed San Antonians with its inventive sushi rolls and cooked fare.

Godai Sushi Bar and Restaurant: 11203 West Ave., 210-348-6781, Since 1997, chef/owner William “Goro” Pitchford has impressed San Antonians with its inventive sushi rolls and cooked fare.

The Cove: 606 W. Cypress St., 210-227-2683, www.thecove.us. This family-friendly restaurant offers a play area for the kids and good food for adults, including a Texas Burger that Texas Monthly named one of the 50 best burgers in the state. less

The Cove: 606 W. Cypress St., 210-227-2683, www.thecove.us. This family-friendly restaurant offers a play area for the kids and good food for adults, including a Texas Burger that Texas Monthly named one of the ... more

Lüke: 125 E. Houston St., 210-227-5853, www.lukesananto nio.com. This is New Orleans-based restaurateur and chef John Besh's first foray outside the Crescent City. It doesn't get better, or more affordable, than the Happy Hour here. less

Lüke: 125 E. Houston St., 210-227-5853, www.lukesananto nio.com. This is New Orleans-based restaurateur and chef John Besh's first foray outside the Crescent City. It doesn't get better, or more affordable, ... more

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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Fig Tree Restaurant: 515 Villita St., 210-224-1976. You'll find one of the top tables in the city on Fig Tree's patio overlooking the river. Order steaks or seafood with confidence.

Fig Tree Restaurant: 515 Villita St., 210-224-1976. You'll find one of the top tables in the city on Fig Tree's patio overlooking the river. Order steaks or seafood with confidence.

Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News

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Nao 312 E. Grayson St. (in Pearl Brewery), 210-554-6484. Stylish takes of dishes from the Americas; restaurant combines professional staff with students from adjacent Culinary Institute of America campus.

Nao 312 E. Grayson St. (in Pearl Brewery), 210-554-6484. Stylish takes of dishes from the Americas; restaurant combines professional staff with students from adjacent Culinary Institute of America campus.

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Fig Tree Restaurant: 515 Villita Street, 210-224-1976, www.figtreerestaurant.com. You'll find one of the top, if not the top, tables in the city on Fig Tree's patio overlooking the river. Order steaks or seafood with confidence.

Florio's Pizza: 7701 Broadway, 210-805-8646, www.florios pizza.com. The biggest decision here is whether to order one of the fabulous New York-style pizzas or the equally wonderful cold Italian sub, one of the best sandwiches in the city.

Nao: 312 E. Grayson St. (in Pearl Brewery), 210-554-6484, www.naorestaurant.com. Stylish takes of dishes from the Americas; restaurant combines professional staff with students from adjacent Culinary Institute of America campus.

Ostra: Mokara Hotel and Spa, 212 Crockett St., 210-396-5800, www.mokarahotels .com/sanantonio/dining.html. Well-prepared fresh seafood served in a relaxing setting on the River Walk.

SoLuna on Broadway: 7959 Broadway, 210-930-8070, www.solunasa.com Chips and an amazing rustic salsa set the stage for stellar green enchiladas and Enchiladas Norteñas.